Whole gut transit is prolonged after Ripstein rectopexy

Abstract

Objective: To find out if there are changes in transit time after Ripstein rectopexy and whether measurement of whole gut transit time preoperatively can predict postoperative constipation. Design: Prospective open study. Setting: Teaching hospital, Sweden. Subjects: 30 patients undergoing Ripstein rectopexy for rectal prolapse (n = 17) or internal rectal intussusception (n = 13). Methods: Whole-gut transit studies and recording of symptoms of constipation preoperatively and postoperatively. Main outcome measures: Constipation and retention of markers. Results: Significantly more markers were retained in postoperative compared with preoperative transit studies (p < 0.001). Constipation mainly presented as emptying difficulties and there was no increase in the total number of patients who reported emptying difficulties postoperatively. There was a weak but significant correlation between retention of markers preoperatively and postoperative emptying difficulties (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Whole gut transit was prolonged after Ripstein rectopexy. Preoperative retention of markers indicated an increased risk of postoperative constipation.